I am fortunate to have samples on hand since we will be using these (at participant's option) for the TCR tastings. They are nice. A worthy addition to anyone's teaware collection.

Ideally, if you are comparing 6 teas, it is best to have 6 sets. This way you can do side by side tastings very evenly, fairly. I think you will be surprised at the subtle differences you will be able to pick up this way.

Thanx for the announcement, Xine. I have been watching for them to show up on Adagio's site.

If you are participating in TCR tastings, look for a special offer. I will say no more.

Pentox wrote:Awh, I'm a bit disappointed that it didn't have the adagio logo or something on it.

I was kind of hoping for a discrete Adagio logo also, but there is something to be said for the classic plain white you see in webphotos from the production areas ... and occasionally on at least one prominent, West Coast bloggeur's great site!

Vulture wrote:They look nice but I would sample each a seperate day. I have a good memory for flavors so it shouldn't be hard. So if anything I will use my gaiwan and Maybee get this (unless its required).

If for example, you are comparing 6 different Alishan, you would have to remember all the subtle nuances of a tea for 6 days. I could not do that. Professionals do side by side tastings in order to discern all the subtle differences in a group of teas.

Nothing wrong with tasting one a day, but there is an advantage to compare side by side.

In Asia, it is not uncommon for tastings to consist of maybe 100 or more similar teas from the same region.

The Tasting Sets are not required for the TCR tastings, just recommended.